STANLEY India · India buying guide

Stanley hex-key sets: metric, imperial, ball-end or folding?

Choose the size system first, then the sizes and storage format. For metric fasteners needing a 10 mm key, compare the nine-key 94-158 and 69-256 ball-end sets. STMT69213-8 adds a 5.5 mm key and ring storage. The folding 2-69-264 stops at 8 mm. For imperial fasteners, 94-163-23 provides twelve inch sizes and 69-230 provides ten. [1]; [2].

94-158 product image

Hex-key sets

94-158

Nine metric ball-end keys, including 10 mm, in an extra-long format.

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94-163-23 product image

Hex-key sets

94-163-23

Twelve imperial ball-point keys, including 7/64 and 9/64 in.

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69-256 product image

Hex-key sets

69-256

Nine metric long-arm ball-tip keys, including 10 mm.

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STMT69213-8 product image

Hex-key sets

STMT69213-8

Ten metric keys on a spring-fixed ring, including 5.5 mm.

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69-230 product image

Hex-key sets

69-230

Ten imperial key sizes on a ring.

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2-69-264 product image

Hex-key sets

2-69-264

Eight metric sizes from 1.5 to 8 mm in a folding handle.

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Check included accessories on the product page; images may show items sold separately.

Compare the full size lists

These are discrete sizes, not continuous ranges. A set labelled 1.5–10 mm does not necessarily contain 5.5, 7 or 9 mm. Keep metric and fractional-inch sizes separate when matching a fastener.

Exact model System / keys Sizes included Documented format / reach label
94-158 Metric / 9 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10 mm Extra-long ball-point set
69-256 Metric / 9 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10 mm Long-arm ball-tip set
94-163-23 Imperial / 12 1/16, 5/64, 3/32, 7/64, 1/8, 9/64, 5/32, 3/16, 7/32, 1/4, 5/16, 3/8 in Long ball-point set
STMT69213-8 Metric / 10 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 5.5, 6, 8, 10 mm Ring set, spring fixing
69-230 Imperial / 10 1/16, 5/64, 3/32, 1/8, 5/32, 3/16, 7/32, 1/4, 5/16, 3/8 in Ring set
2-69-264 Metric / 8 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8 mm Folding, size-marked storage

[1]; [3]; [2].

Which format suits your work?

  • Need 5.5 mm? Choose STMT69213-8 if its full ten-size metric list covers your job.
  • Need metric 10 mm and ball ends? Both 94-158 and 69-256 have the same nine sizes. “Extra long” and “long arm” are product descriptions; confirm individual arm lengths if reach decides the purchase.
  • Want folding storage? Consider 2-69-264 when none of your required metric sizes exceeds 8 mm. It does not include 5.5 or 10 mm.
  • Need imperial 7/64 or 9/64 in? Choose the twelve-key 94-163-23 over the ten-key 69-230, which omits both.
  • Prefer imperial keys on a ring? 69-230 provides ten inch sizes. Confirm the actual tip and instructions before choosing it for angled access.

[1]; [4]; [5]; [3]; [2].

Understand size, reach and material

  • Metric and imperial/SAE: different nominal size systems. A rounded millimetre conversion does not make an inch key interchangeable with a metric key.
  • Hex: a matching internal-hex fastener profile. Torx is a different profile; a tool that nearly fits is not a suitable substitute.
  • Ball end: documented for 94-158, 94-163-23 and 69-256. An angle-access description is not permission to apply full tightening force at an angle.
  • Long and extra long: manufacturer format names. Overall package dimensions do not tell you usable key reach.
  • Ring and folding: a ring retains separate keys; a folding set stores its keys in a handle. STMT69213-8 has a spring fixing for removal and reassembly.
  • Steel type: S2 is specified for the three ball-end sets above and chrome-vanadium for STMT69213-8. These descriptions do not establish torque ratings or a strength ranking.

[4]; [6]; [5]; [3]; [2].

94-158: nine metric sizes with an extra-long format

The nine metric sizes match 69-256. Consider 94-158 when you want the manufacturer’s extra-long ball-point format, but confirm individual usable lengths if you need a particular reach. The format name alone cannot quantify its reach advantage. [4]; [1].

Do: match the package code, size list and access to the job. Don’t: expect 5.5, 7 or 9 mm, or infer a torque rating from the S2 description.

Does it include nine different sizes?

Yes: 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8 and 10 mm. [1]; [4].

Is it stronger than 69-256?

The material and format descriptions do not establish a comparative strength or torque rating. Choose by the required sizes and confirmed access.

94-163-23: twelve imperial ball-point sizes

This set provides twelve fractional-inch sizes from 1/16 to 3/8 in, including 7/64 and 9/64 in. It is an imperial set, not a metric selection. [6]; [1].

Do: use the original inch markings to match the fastener. Don’t: treat a nearby millimetre size as proof of fit, or use the long-arm format as a torque rating.

What does it add over 69-230?

The 7/64 and 9/64 in keys. Both sets cover the other ten listed imperial sizes. [1].

Can I tighten at an angle with full force?

A ball-end angle-access description is not a full-force tightening rating. Follow the supplied instructions and the equipment maker’s fastening requirements.

69-256: nine metric long-arm ball-tip keys

Choose 69-256 for the nine metric sizes listed above and its long-arm ball-tip format. Check the actual package is marked 69-256 and contains the sizes you need. [5]; [1].

Do: confirm the package code and individual reach if clearance matters. Don’t: assume a suffix or a similar listing identifies an interchangeable set.

Does it include a 10 mm key?

Yes. It includes 10 mm but not 5.5, 7 or 9 mm. [5]; [1].

How is it different from 94-158?

The size lists match. STANLEY calls 69-256 long-arm and 94-158 extra-long. Confirm individual key lengths before choosing on reach alone. [5]; [4].

STMT69213-8: metric ring storage with a 5.5 mm key

The ten metric sizes include 5.5 mm. STANLEY describes chrome-vanadium steel, a phosphate finish and spring fixing that allows keys to be removed and reassembled. [3]; [1].

Do: check the complete ten-size list and follow the supplied spring-fixing instructions. Don’t: assume ball tips from another ring or long-arm set.

What extra size does it add over the nine-key metric sets?

5.5 mm. It still does not include 7 or 9 mm. [3]; [1].

Is its ring a folding handle?

No. It retains separate keys with a spring fixing. Choose 2-69-264 for the folding format. [3]; [2].

69-230: ten imperial sizes on a ring

Consider 69-230 when its ten fractional-inch sizes cover the job and you prefer ring storage. Confirm the actual tip and supplied instructions if angled access matters. [7]; [1].

Do: match the marked inch size and check access. Don’t: expect 7/64 or 9/64 in, or transfer ball-end angle guidance from another set.

Does it cover the same sizes as 94-163-23?

It covers ten of them; the twelve-key 94-163-23 adds 7/64 and 9/64 in. [1].

Should I choose it specifically for angled access?

Confirm the exact tips and operating instructions with STANLEY before relying on it for off-axis work. [8].

2-69-264: eight metric sizes in a folding handle

The eight discrete metric sizes end at 8 mm. STANLEY describes a bi-material overmoulded handle, phosphate finish, chamfered edges and size-marked storage. [2].

Do: check every required size and use the size markings. Don’t: expect 5.5 or 10 mm, or mistake a plastic-covered handle for electrical insulation.

Does the folding set include 10 mm?

No. Its listed sizes are 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 8 mm. [2].

Do the overall product dimensions show key reach?

No. Check the usable length of the individual key when access to a recessed fastener matters.

Before using a hex key

  • Match the nominal size and internal-hex profile exactly. Check the complete set list rather than only its endpoints.
  • Read the supplied tool instructions and the equipment maker’s tightening requirements. Use a separately specified torque-control tool when measured tightening torque is required.
  • For ball-end access, follow the exact model’s instructions. Do not transfer angle limits between sets or treat them as torque ratings.
  • Do not assume electrical insulation, live-circuit suitability, impact rating or powered-driver approval. Do not convert these keys for powered use with an improvised adapter.
  • Confirm the actual package, holder and key lengths before ordering if those details determine suitability. Check current warranty terms with the seller.

These are general selection and manual-use precautions. Obtain the instructions for your exact set from STANLEY India support [8] if they are missing.

View Stanley hex-key sets

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Specification-based comparison using manufacturer information. Reviewed 11 October 2026. Follow the operating instructions supplied with your exact tool.

Sources
  1. STANLEY India catalogue, printed pp30–31 (2023 edition) (opens in a new tab)
  2. STANLEY 2-69-264 features and contents (opens in a new tab)
  3. STANLEY STMT69213-8 features and contents (opens in a new tab)
  4. STANLEY 94-158 features and contents (opens in a new tab)
  5. STANLEY 69-256 features and contents (opens in a new tab)
  6. STANLEY 94-163-23 features and contents (opens in a new tab)
  7. STANLEY 69-230 features and contents (opens in a new tab)
  8. STANLEY India support (opens in a new tab)